Operation tomorrow

Hi  and a warm welcome to the forum. I had my lumpectomy a while ago now but I remember the nerves very well! It was really very straightforward - I’m assuming you’re having it as a day patient? I sat with my book, magazine and sudoku book but not sure I did or read anything ! No one was near enough to chat to so it felt quite surreal but the waiting time was broken up by visits from nurses, surgeon and anaesthetist. Nice big arrow drawn by surgeon to make sure he operated on the correct breast! I am a weird person who rather likes the anaesthetic so that was pleasant. Post op I didn’t have any immediate pain although I was surprised at the size of the dressing. He used the same incision for the lumpectomy and the sentinel node biopsy. I was a late afternoon op so came out about 7pm. Home for light supper and bed! I felt woozy but not in pain - I took paracetamol that night and the following day but didn’t need any more. I was out for short walks a few days after. 

Hope that helps allay your fears a bit but keep asking questions as I may not have answered any of yours! Welcome to the club that none of us wanted to join, but hopefully you’ll find lots of support and shared experiences here. Wishing you well and sending love and a big virtual hug your way. Let us know how it goes tomorrow, will be thinking of. HFxx

Hi Lynne53

Sorry to hear about your cancer diagnoses. I had a lumpectomy and a sentinel node biopsy.  The operation was straight forward.  I brought a gook with me to read while I was waiting for the op. Like HappyFeet1 the wait was broken up by visits from nurses, surgeon and a visit to the radiology department to have a wire inserted in my breast so that my surgeon would know where the lump was. I also had a dye injected to show up the nodes under my arm. I also had an arrow drawn to to make sure the correct breast was operated on. I was in and out in the same day and was given a prescription for painkillers before I left the hospital.

I didn’t have too much pain post op. He used the same incision for the lumpectomy and the sentinel node biopsy.  I wasn’t able to shower for three days as I couldn’t get the dressing wet  but I was able to wash myself.

Hope that helps you and all the best for your operation tomorrow.

Best wishes

Daisy53x

Thank you so much!! Will be glad when it’s over. This has been a constant rollercoaster. ️ 

Hi Lynne53

Pretty. much same story as the other replys.

went down for surgery about 2.30 was back on the ward by 4.30 and discharged by 8.30, didn't need any pain killers.

I was really surprised at the size of the dressing not a lot bigger than a plaster.

For coming home have some comfortable clothes that are easy to put on as lifting your arm will be uncomfortable so something that will button up or zip up.

If you have any other questions please ask and hope everything goes well 

Carolyn